The Grotta del Vento, or the Cave of the Wind, is a system of caves situated in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps regional park. Named for the strong air currents that flow through the cave, it has been known to locals since at least the 17th century, when records show that is was used to keep food cold due to the lower temperature inside. Beginning in the 20th century there was more exploration and systematic study of the caves and in 1966 it was opened up to the public. Since then, many developments have been made in preserving the natural state of the caves to the best of their ability, while making it safer and more readily accessible to tourists – a difficult balance that has won the caves awards in the past and that makes it one of the best caves in the world to visit.
An amazing underworld of caves and tunnels is revealed upon entering the caves and can be explored via three different guided tours – revealing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams – and are all relatively easy routes that most people will be able to tackle without a problem.
An amazing underworld of caves and tunnels is revealed upon entering the caves and can be explored via three different guided tours – revealing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams – and are all relatively easy routes that most people will be able to tackle without a problem.
However, be sure to wear practical and comfortable clothes, bring a sweater (it is a good deal colder inside!) and to wear rubber-soled shoes to help prevent slipping on the often wet floors and surfaces.
The first route lasts approximately one hour, is 700m long and is takes place along a flat limestone surface, while the second tour is longer, lasting around two hours, measuring 1500m long and following the same route as the first before venturing on along an underground stream. The third tour lasts three hours, is 2200m long and covers the whole cave, including some of the vertical slopes. Tours are offered in Italian and English year round, German from April to October and French and Spanish in Summer and are included in the entry fee.
Opening times throughout the year are as follows:
The first route lasts approximately one hour, is 700m long and is takes place along a flat limestone surface, while the second tour is longer, lasting around two hours, measuring 1500m long and following the same route as the first before venturing on along an underground stream. The third tour lasts three hours, is 2200m long and covers the whole cave, including some of the vertical slopes. Tours are offered in Italian and English year round, German from April to October and French and Spanish in Summer and are included in the entry fee.
Opening times throughout the year are as follows:
Every Sunday and all public holidays, week days from 1st April to 1st November and from 26th December to 6th January:
Route 1: 10.00am, 11.00 am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm; Route 2: 11.00am, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm;
Route 3: 10.00am , 2.00pm.
Weekdays from 7th January to 31st March, from 2nd No- vember to 24th December: Route 1 only:
10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm.
A fun outing for all the family, this fascinating and picturesque cave is one of the most popular tourist caves in the world and it is easy to see why. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are spending time in the area, check it out.
Route 1: 10.00am, 11.00 am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm; Route 2: 11.00am, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm;
Route 3: 10.00am , 2.00pm.
Weekdays from 7th January to 31st March, from 2nd No- vember to 24th December: Route 1 only:
10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm.
A fun outing for all the family, this fascinating and picturesque cave is one of the most popular tourist caves in the world and it is easy to see why. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are spending time in the area, check it out.
